I think a big value for Galveston (despite its warts) is that it is an ideal STR market for a recession/downturn (that hasn't quite seem to come yet despite lots of people predicting it, but it might be finally here). 

@Brent Coombs wow I may not know much but I'm fairly sure it would be unwise to just sell my place now as the only possible strategy, and am frankly quite upset you would suggest that.

There's plenty of value to be found in neighborhoods such as Christian Park and Martindale-Brightwood (near Fountain Square and Irvington), Near Northwest-Riverside, Near/Old Southside, and Butler/Tarkington despite being quite close to some of the sketchier parts of the city.If you are ever interested or need assistance, feel free to connect with me.

I have rented oceanfront condos for my extended family for quite a few years. 

However, we did see quite a bit pop up this summer and recently I know one investor who overpaid $40k to get a duplex that did in fact cashflow $500/mo after updates (so it's not impossible!). 

If you quit now, you will lose all your progress.

There have been quite a number of red flags and warnings in this thread and many of your responses tend to be, "but what about this and this is why that is" leading me to believe you have already made up your mind that moving forward is a good idea so I wont try and change your mind but again, warn you that some things in this syndication are outside the norm and the promised rates of return (STR's in the package included) are abnormally high leading me to believe that the investors will have a much higher chance of disappointment than satisfaction.

Jared, to answer your question, yes, it is quite easy and possible to accomplish well within that timeline. 

Having experienced real estate investors around you while growing up sounds like its been quite impactful. 

I do have some money in savings that I could use for a down payment, however if I use only that money, I will be quite limited in how much I can spend.